Normal life on Saturday was affected in Kashmir Valley due to rainfall even as the Meteorological department has predicted the inclement weather for next 24-hours. Officials said from 0830 to 1730 hours, Srinagar received 4.5 mm rain, Kokernag traces, Kupwara 3.0mm, Pahalgam 0.2mm, Qazigund 14.8 mm while had Gulmarg 3.2mm.
They said Banihal received 15.2mm rain, Batote 16.8mm, Katra 5.6 mm, Bhaderwah 7.6 mm while Jammu had 3.0mm. “Light to moderate rain and snow will occur at many places over the state in next 24 hours,” a MeT official told GNS. The 300-km Srinagar-Jammu highway, the only surface link connecting Kashmir Valley with rest of the world, was closed for traffic due to landslides and shooting stones triggered by rains at Morg, Karole, Panthnal and Anokhifall areas. A traffic department official said it was raining since wee hours today all along the highway in Banihal, Jawahar tunnel, Ramban, Ramsu, Patnitop and Qazigund areas. The shooting stones and landslides led to the closure of the thoroughfare at 1830 hours.
Meanwhile, flights operated from Srinagar International Airport and no flight was cancelled. Reports of wet weather were also received from Z-Gali in Kupwara district, Sonamarg and Zojilla pass along Srinagar-Leh highway in Ganderbal district and Peer Ki Gali along Mughal road in Shopian district.